Editorial Standards

Our Mission

Lowdown is an intelligence briefing service operated by Bannermedia Ltd. We produce multi-source briefings on rolling global topics, combining automated tools with human editorial oversight to deliver accurate, timely, and fair reporting.

Accuracy

We are committed to factual accuracy in all published content. Every briefing goes through a multi-stage verification pipeline including source cross-referencing, fact checking, and editorial review before publication. We do not publish claims we cannot substantiate.

Where a claim is contested or unverified, we attribute it clearly to its source and indicate its status. We distinguish between confirmed facts, official statements, and unverified reports.

Corrections

When we identify a factual error, we correct it promptly and transparently. Corrections are published at the same prominence as the original content within 48 hours of verification. Material corrections are noted inline with the corrected text.

To report an error, contact corrections@lowdown.today or use our complaints procedure.

Source Attribution

We cite sources for all substantive claims. Our briefings include a source panel listing every source consulted, categorised by type and country of origin. Where possible, we link directly to primary sources so readers can verify claims independently.

We do not fabricate quotes, attribute statements to unnamed sources without basis, or misrepresent the origin of information.

Privacy and Dignity

We respect the privacy of individuals who are not public figures. We do not publish private information unless there is a clear public interest justification. For public figures, we report on matters relevant to their public role and avoid intrusion into private life unless directly relevant to a matter of public concern.

Non-Deception

We do not misrepresent our identity, the identity of our sources, or the nature of our content. We do not use deceptive practices to obtain information. Headlines and summaries accurately reflect the content they describe.

Fairness and Impartiality

We present multiple perspectives on contested issues. Every briefing includes a perspectives section representing the positions of relevant actors, attributed and contextualised. We do not use loaded language such as "terrorist", "regime", or "freedom fighter" without attribution.

Editorial Independence

Lowdown is editorially independent. Our reporting is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, or any political party, government, or commercial interest. Editorial decisions are made solely on the basis of newsworthiness, accuracy, and public interest.

Automated Tools and Human Oversight

Our briefing pipeline uses automated tools to gather, structure, and draft content. All automated output is subject to human editorial oversight before publication. Automated processing does not replace editorial judgement; it supports it.

Our quality pipeline includes automated checks for factual accuracy, source balance, legal risk, ethical concerns, and editorial style. These checks flag content for human review where issues are detected.

AI Assistance and Editorial Responsibility

Lowdown's briefings are produced with AI assistance and published under human editorial control. Every briefing passes a substantive review and quality-gate process — including source cross-referencing, fact checking, editorial style review, and legal and ethical screening — and is approved before publication. Editorial responsibility for all published content rests with Bannermedia Ltd, exercised by Ed Woodcock as editor.

Entity portraits are AI-generated editorial illustrations, not photographs. This disclosure is made under Article 50(4) of the EU AI Act.

Corrections: complaints procedure.

Election Coverage

During regulated election periods, we apply heightened verification standards to any content referencing named candidates. We do not publish unverified claims about a candidate's personal character or conduct. We comply with all applicable provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1983, including the prohibition on publishing exit poll data before polls close.

Complaints

We operate a free, publicly accessible complaints procedure. If you believe we have breached any of these standards, please contact complaints@lowdown.today. Full details of our process, including response timescales, are available on our complaints page.

Review

These standards are reviewed periodically and updated as our practices evolve. Material changes are noted with an updated date at the top of this page.